Traditional decluttering can create unnecessary waste, so this year, consider a more thoughtful approach that opens your home while keeping usable materials out of the landfill.
January often brings a natural desire to reset. After the holidays, many of us feel ready to clear space, find order and start fresh. Traditional decluttering can create unnecessary waste, so this year, consider a more thoughtful approach that opens your home while keeping usable materials out of the landfill.
1. Clearing the Holiday Clutter
The days after the holidays often leave homes filled with shipping boxes, packaging material and plastic from gift items. A little sorting helps keep these materials in circulation and reduces waste. Here are some smart ways to recycle:
- Break down cardboard boxes for curbside recycling or save them for future storage. Recycling cardboard also supports a strong circular system. Through The Home Depot’s partnership with Pratt, an Eco Actions Partner, recycled cardboard is used to produce 100% of Home Depot moving boxes. This keeps valuable fiber in use and reduces the need for new materials.
- Collect plastic shopping bags and drop them off at participating in-store recycling bins.
- Don’t forget to recycle used rechargeable batteries from holiday lights, toys and devices through The Home Depot battery recycling program in partnership with Call2Recycle where available.
2. Donating Items Instead of Discarding Them
Decluttering does not mean everything needs to go. Many items still have life left in them and can be useful to someone else when donated with intention. Before dropping items off, it helps to check donation guidelines so items can be accepted and put to use. Grouping similar items together makes sorting easier and donating only clean, usable items ensures they are ready for a second life. Item groupings can include:
- Clothing such as coats, sweaters and shoes
- Household items like small appliances, décor and kitchenware
- Toys, games and books
- Storage items including bins, baskets and organizers
In addition to local organizations, donation units located outside select Home Depot stores through the America in Action organization collect gently used clothing and household items to support local communities. Sharing what you no longer need helps reduce materials going to landfills while making a positive impact close to home.
3. Repair Before You Replace
A thoughtful reset begins with recognizing what can be fixed. Often a small repair is all that stands between an item you can continue to use and an item you discard. Here are simple repairs that extend product life:
- Replacing a missing screw or hinge using parts from the hardware aisle at your local Home Depot
- Tightening a handle, knob, or leg using a wrench to restore stability and extend the life of the item
- Using adhesive to fix broken or loose items; below is a good example from Henkel, an Eco Actions Partner, showing how to repair outdoor furniture with products like Loctite Power Grab Ultimate adhesive
Repairing items keeps them in circulation and reduces the need for replacements.
4. Using Storage Totes to Stay Organized
Once you know what you’re keeping, the right storage solutions can help maintain order long after the holidays.
HDX and Husky storage totes manufactured by Kreate, an Eco Actions Partner, are durable options made with post-consumer and post-industrial recycled resins. These totes come in multiple sizes that work well for closets, garages, or seasonal storage and help reduce reliance on disposable storage products. Benefits of HDX and Husky totes include:
- Made with recycled materials
- Durable and designed for repeated use
- Available in multiple sizes for different organizing needs
- Ideal for storing décor, tools or items you plan to reuse next year
Using long-lasting storage totes prevents clutter from returning and keeps your home organized throughout the year.
5. Give Materials a Second Life
Many common household items can be reimagined in simple and practical ways that reduce waste and support organization. Here are some easy ideas for reuse:
- Save gift bags and ribbons for future celebrations. Also, leftover fabric works as reusable wrapping or liners.
- Clean and reuse glass jars or tins for organizing or future gifting.
- Sturdy cardboard can be used as dividers for drawers or closets.
- Extra storage bins can be reassigned to new rooms or projects.
These small choices minimize waste and reduce the need to purchase new storage supplies.
Start the Year with Purpose
A sustainable refresh is not about perfection. It’s about small decisions that help your home feel lighter, more organized and more intentional. By choosing reuse, repair and responsible recycling, you support healthier material cycles and reduce strain on landfills.
This January, let your urge to purge inspire choices that create space, reduce waste and set the stage for a mindful year ahead.
